BC PNP Rural/Remote Health Support Draw: 16 Invitations on October 15, 2026

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has held another draw under its Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative. This is a one-time pathway for cleaning and security workers employed directly by B.C.'s health authorities in rural and remote communities. Here's what happened and what to do if you're involved.

What changed

On October 15, 2026, the BC PNP issued 16 invitations to apply (ITAs) under the Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative, with a minimum score of 54. Earlier rounds under this initiative were held on September 17, 2026 (33 invitations, minimum score 60) and July 23, 2026 (60 invitations, minimum score 50).

Registration is now closed. The BC PNP extended registration to 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2026 to allow for wildfire-related impacts. No new registrations are being accepted. When it announced the initiative, the BC PNP said up to 250 candidates would be nominated.

Who it affects

This initiative has very specific requirements, set out in section 4.3 of the BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide. The main ones are:

Eligible occupations (direct health authority employees only):

• NOC 64410 – Security guards and related security service occupations
• NOC 65310 – Light duty cleaners
• NOC 65312 – Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners

Employment:

• You must be a direct employee of one of B.C.'s public health authorities. Employees of contractors are not eligible.
• Your job must be regular, indeterminate (no end date) and full-time. You need a signed job offer and your health authority's support for your application.

Location:

• You must work in a rural/remote location. Work locations in Metro Vancouver, Central Okanagan and the Capital Regional District are excluded. The exceptions are Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna islands, which do count as eligible.

Experience:

• You need at least nine consecutive months of full-time (30+ hours a week), year-round work with the same health authority, in an eligible occupation and location, immediately before registering.
• Co-op work and work done while on a study permit don't count.
• You must keep the same employer, occupation and location throughout the BC PNP process.

Other requirements:

• Meet the minimum income requirement, including for the full nine-month period
• Have at least a high school education, and meet any job qualification or licensing rules
• Meet the general language requirement (a valid test showing CLB 4 or higher in all four skills)
• Hold eligible status, be authorized to work, and intend to live in B.C.
• The Express Entry BC option isn't available for this initiative

What to do next

1. Log in to your BC PNP Online profile to check whether you received an ITA.
2. Apply within 30 calendar days. Invited candidates must submit a complete application within 30 calendar days of the invitation date.
3. Get your documents together early. You'll need your Employer Declaration Form signed by an authorized health authority representative, your job offer on official letterhead, proof of nine consecutive months of employment and income, a high school credential, and valid language test results.
4. Don't change jobs. Changing your employer, role or work location during the process could make you ineligible.
5. Remember: an ITA isn't approval. An invitation is not a nomination, and it's not permanent residence. Your application will still be fully assessed.

Official sources

• WelcomeBC – Invitations to apply
• WelcomeBC – BC PNP News
• WelcomeBC – Skills Immigration Program Guide (sections 3, 4.3 and 6)

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